Kimberly Custodio, Dean Roxas add pair of jiu-jitsu golds to PH’s SEA Games haul

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Three-time world titlist Kimberly Anne Custodio strikes gold in her SEA Games debut, while Dean Roxas repeats as a champion

CHONBURI, Thailand – Jiu-jitsu became the first sport to produce multiple gold medals for the Philippines in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games as Kimberly Anne Custodio and Dean Roxas ruled their respective divisions on Thursday, December 11.

A three-time world champion, Custodio topped the women’s ne-waza 48kg, while Roxas reigned in the men’s 85kg to clinch the Philippines’ third and fourth golds at the Navaminda Kasatriyadhiraj Royal Thai Air Force Academy in Saraburi.

Custodio beat home bet Sugun Nutchaya in the final for a successful return to Thailand, where she captured her third title in the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation World Championships just a month ago.

It was also a stellar SEA Games debut for Custodio, who still got the job done despite moving up in weight from her usual 45kg class.

“I wasn’t expecting to win because the competition is tough in this division. But through God’s grace, the hard work of my teammates and coaches paid off,” said Custodio in Filipino.

Meanwhile, Roxas replicated his golden feat on home soil in 2019 by making quick work of Singapore’s Aacus Hou Yu Ee through a submission victory.

“I just made sure I got my position quick so that I’m able to capitalize on their mistakes. Who doesn’t like to finish with a submission for the country? This one’s for Pilipinas,” said Roxas.

Like Custodio and Roxas, Yman Xavier Baluyo reached the final, but he settled for silver in the men’s ne-waza 69kg category after bowing to Vietnam’s Dinh Tung Dang.

The jiu-jitsu team also delivered bronzes courtesy of Kayla Napolis (women’s ne-waza 57kg), Vito Luzuriaga (men’s ne-waza 85kg), and Marc Lim (men’s ne-waza 69kg). – Rappler.com